Your projectile weapon and special weapons require energy to power them, with energy powerups located at strategic points around each environment. Health powerups are also available at certain points, and the balance of mixing full-on combat with locating powerups adds a strategic element to the gameplay. This is most definitely a good thing, as the action does tend to get a little repetitive during extended plays. Combine this with the ability to block certain attacks, and you've got a game where the combat is significantly more tactical than initially meets the eye.

As far as the multiplayer goes, two mates can go head to head in free-for-all mode, where you can also fight against several computer controlled monsters. The screen is split vertically, but as you come into close contact with the second player it switches to full-screen, which is a particularly nice feature – it looks great as the two opponents circle each other and then go into battle.

There are two other multiplayer game modes - elimination, where you select the number of respawns the players get and then battle it out, and the mini games, of which there are three that can be unlocked.

Since by now you are probably wondering how you go about unlocking all this stuff, we'll tell ya! Each single-player game you complete sees you rewarded with tokens, which you can then use to 'purchase' unlockable items such as the mini games, new levels, and monsters. You can also redeem tokens for new monster costumes – great for when you want a different look when causing mayhem.

Some other bits and pieces that you may like to know about; Camera angles are good, navigation through the various menus is easy and uncomplicated, load times are not too bad, there are three difficulty options (easy, medium, & hard ….. duh!), and three different controller configurations……. Phew!